‘RHOA’ Newbie Pinky Cole Files for Bankruptcy After Calling Herself ‘One of the Most Powerful Entrepreneurs in America’ in S17 Trailer

Aisha “Pinky” Cole of The Real Housewives of Atlanta has filed for bankruptcy. 

The Bravo personality and Baltimore native – who is joining RHOA Season 17 as a new Housewife – filed for personal Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 12, The Baltimore Banner reports. 

Pinky Cole founded Slutty Vegan in 2018

Cole is the founder of the Slutty Vegan chain of restaurants, which she created in 2018 by selling burgers via Instagram. She owes roughly $1.2 million to the U.S Small Business Administration for loan she received during the pandemic. She also owes another $192,000 in taxes to the Georgia Department of Revenue, to documents filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Atlanta. In total, she has $3.6 million in liabilities and $3.7 million in assets, including real estate, vehicles, $15,000 in designer shoes, and a $5,000 French bulldog, per 11 Alive. 

Slutty Vegan grew rapidly in the years after its founding, but Cole has faced a number of financial setbacks as she attempts to grow her business empire, including lawsuits for unpaid wages and rent, as well as foreclosure on an investment property in Atlanta. Last year, she lost control of the company in a restructuring but later bought it back, Restaurant Business reports. According to the Slutty Vegan website, the chain currently has locations in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, New York, and Maryland. The plant-based menu includes items such as the One Night Stand burger, the Hollywood Hooker cheesesteak, and Hooker Fries.

New ‘RHOA’ cast member talks business success in season 17 trailer 

Cole will debut as a cast member on RHOA in April. In a sneak peek at the new season, she paints a rosy picture of her business success. 

“I’m one of the most powerful entrepreneurs in America,” she says. “I built this $100 million brand.

Cole seems to be taking her latest twist in her journey in stride. On Tuesday, she posted a video on Instagram in which she left her home toting her dog and a large suitcase, while wearing a Versace robe and a string of pearls. She then stood on the street and attempted to hail a car. 

“What people think happens after you file bankruptcy,” she captioned the video.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 premieres Sunday, April 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock. 

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